June 2016

Art is a hobby for some and a profession for others, but for alumna Ivey Swan (BS 15) it’s her life’s mission. “When I was in the eighth grade, I decided I wanted to create a character named Artie who is a personified paintbrush,” Swan said. “My grandmother was an author, and I really wanted to write a children’s book series about the arts and inform kids about the importance of the arts and how they can become passionate about something that’s bigger than themselves. But as an eighth grader it’s a little difficult to get a book published.” A native of Hattiesburg, Swan spent her childhood actively participating in dancing, singing and visual arts.